TransGENDER vs. TransSEXUAL

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An explanation as to why we no longer commonly use "transsexual," and instead use "transgender."

Transgender

A person who does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

Transsexual

A person who has undergone gender reassignment surgery.

Transsexual is an outdated term and should never be used unless someone tells you that they specifically identify with that term and allow it's use in reference to themselves. It's use is uncommon among those who are knowledgeable about the LGBT+ community for many reasons.

🏳‍ :rainbow:

Basically, the term refers to someone who has had gender reassignment surgery. However, such a surgery does not define a trans person's identity. This term implies that you are only trans after you are done physically transitioning, which is a harmful and inaccurate notion to sustain.

🏳‍ :rainbow:

Secondly, this term is highly exclusive. There are trans people who cannot physically transition due to their circumstances (financial, social, etc.). Using the term transsexual would exclude these people for situations they cannot control.

🏳‍ :rainbow:

There are also trans people who do not want to physically transition or only want to do certain parts of a transition. This may be due to fear of medical procedures or just them plain not wanting to change their bodies and only feeling the need to socially transition. The term transsexual would exclude them as well.

🏳‍ :rainbow:

Transsexual also appears to only refer to the two binary biological sexes (and possibly intersex) completely leaving out non-binary peoples.

🏳‍ :rainbow:

Lastly, the term is invasive. It is basically a public label that let's everyone know what kind of surgeries you've had or to what extent you've transitioned. Many people do not feel like this is anyone's business but their own, especially when it relates to their genitals.

🏳‍ :rainbow:

Transgender includes anyone who doesn't identify with the gender they were assigned at birth and therefore does not have any of the issues that the term transsexual does.

🏳‍ :rainbow:

To conclude, DON'T use transsexual unless someone specifically identifies with that term and tells you to refer to them as such. The terms trans and transgender are more inclusive and appropriate and encompass transsexual people anyway.

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